Social Mobility: Regional Attainment Gap

Debate between Lord Agnew of Oulton and Lord Wills

Tuesday 26th February 2019 Lords Chamber

[Lord Agnew of Oulton]

My Lords, we have recently announced the recruitment and retention strategy, and I agree with the noble Lord that retention is probably the greater priority, because it is a terrible waste when good young teachers leave the profession. We have put much more focus on ongoing CPD for teachers, particularly in the second year, reducing their teaching load so that they have more time for support. We have announced a £30 million investment in tailored support for certain schools with recruitment and retention challenges, which is designed to help schools improve existing plans, join national programmes, build local partnerships or fund new initiatives.

[Lord Wills (Lab)]

My Lords, what specific measures are the Government taking to increase the low number of care leavers going into higher education?

[Lord Agnew of Oulton]

My Lords, in addition to the pupil premium we also have an enhanced pupil premium specifically aimed at that most vulnerable group. One of my personal missions has been to increase the opportunities for care leavers to attend boarding schools, where, according to a small study in Norfolk, their educational outcomes showed a dramatic improvement.